One Surf Way

Monterey, CA

At One Surf Way in Monterey, a beachfront condominium complex founded on timber piles, decades of salt-air exposure had led to deterioration and raised serious questions about the long-term safety of the foundation system. The owners commissioned a retrofit design, and Kandou’s founder was invited to join as part of the independent peer review team. That work provided confidence that the original proposal would meet safety requirements, but it also revealed how challenging and disruptive the prescribed solution would be for residents.

Following the peer review, the owners asked Kandou to take a closer look at alternatives. We prepared a feasibility study to test whether composite jacketing of the existing piles could be a viable solution. Working with manufacturers and drawing on experience with coastal projects, the study demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymer jackets could restore the strength and durability of the piles, extend their life, and achieve regulatory approval while avoiding the cost, disruption, and footprint of heavy new construction.

This project shows what sets Kandou apart: we begin by ensuring that conventional designs stand up to scrutiny, and then we look for ways to deliver better outcomes by applying a broader toolkit of materials and methods. Our knowledge of unconventional systems and close engagement with code and product development give our clients options that are practical, efficient, sustainable and resilient.

Photo credit: Homes.com. Retrieved 2026‑01‑04. Photographer credit not provided on the source page.